Willem Knoops
Buckhurst Hill,Essex
Summary
Proven leader in project and line management with a results-oriented approach. Expertise in managing large global engineering teams within the offshore wind sector. Demonstrates composure under pressure and excels in relationship building. Ambitious and adaptable, prioritizing clear communication and collaboration.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Project Director - Offshore Wind & HV Transmission
COWI
London
12.2024 - Current
- Managed offshore wind engineering consultancy projects, focusing on geoscience, geotechnics, and HV cable transmission designs.
- Developed global business strategies and provided tender support to enhance project opportunities.
- Led initiatives for internal growth within offshore wind community and technical disciplines.
Director - Head of GEO
Ørsted
London, United Kingdom
05.2022 - 06.2024
- Directed global geoscience function comprising over 90 engineers, establishing an industry-leading team.
- Delivered site investigations, foundation and cable design, and integrated ground models for Ørsted’s offshore wind portfolio.
- Introduced innovative foundation installation concepts and geoscience advancements to expedite project delivery.
Senior manager - Head of Geotechnical Engineering
Ørsted
London, United Kingdom
03.2018 - 05.2022
- Led and expanded geotechnical engineering specialists department to over 70 employees, focusing on R&D project delivery, geotechnical site investigations, integrated ground modelling, geotechnical foundation design, and subsea cable offshore installation support.
Project manager Site Investigations
Ørsted / DONG Energy
London, United Kingdom
12.2012 - 03.2018
- Managed geophysical and geotechnical site investigations for multiple European offshore wind farms.
- Focused on health, safety, and environment (HSE) standards to ensure compliance.
- Prioritised quality control while identifying cost-efficient solutions for internal stakeholders.
Project manager
ARKeX Ltd
Cambridge, United Kingdom
07.2011 - 11.2012
- Oversaw project management for global, large-scale airborne geophysical surveys in Oil & Gas exploration.
- Managed team of skilled engineers and aircraft crew, ensuring quality deliverables and adherence to HSE standards.
- Coordinated logistical support to facilitate operations in challenging international environments.
Project coordinator
Deep BV
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
12.2006 - 07.2011
- Allocated resources and equipment for geophysical, hydrographical, geological, and civil engineering projects.
- Coordinated logistical support and managed client communications effectively.
- Interfaced with procurement and project teams to ensure smooth execution.
- Conducted commercial activities, including tender proposals and budgeting.
- Managed projects involving national and international geophysical surveys.
- Led data acquisition and processing efforts for survey accuracy.
Geophysicist
Texplor Benelux
Houten, The Netherlands
07.2005 - 12.2006
- Managed project oversight for leakage detection in sealing constructions using geophysical surveys.
- Coordinated quality control and data-acquisition for civil engineering projects.
- Supervised data processing in national and international geophysical surveys.
- Enhanced monitoring systems for residential building and environmental initiatives.
Geophysicist
KWS Infra
Zwolle, The Netherlands
07.2004 - 07.2005
- Managed projects focused on detection and remediation of unexploded ordnance (UXO).
- Established new geophysical survey techniques to enhance UXO-detection capabilities.
- Oversaw surface treatment and industrial projects, ensuring adherence to safety standards.
Geophysicist
GeoCom BV
The Hague, The Netherlands
06.2001 - 06.2004
- Managed project execution, data gathering, and processing of national and international geophysical surveys across on- and offshore projects.
Education
Master of Science - Geophysics
Earth Sciences - Utrecht University
Utrecht, The Netherlands 09.1995 - 03.2001
Skills
- Offshore wind engineering
- Team leadership and management
- Project management and planning
- Commercial awareness and strategy
- Geophysics and geotechnical engineering
- Offshore site investigations
- Financial budgeting
Languages
Dutch
Native
English
Fluent
German
Intermediate
Training
- Project Leadership Program
- Leading across distances & cultures
- Leading Leaders
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Safety management for project managers
- IOSH managing safely
Timeline
Project Director - Offshore Wind & HV Transmission
COWI
12.2024 - Current
Director - Head of GEO
Ørsted
05.2022 - 06.2024
Senior manager - Head of Geotechnical Engineering
Ørsted
03.2018 - 05.2022
Project manager Site Investigations
Ørsted / DONG Energy
12.2012 - 03.2018
Project manager
ARKeX Ltd
07.2011 - 11.2012
Project coordinator
Deep BV
12.2006 - 07.2011
Geophysicist
Texplor Benelux
07.2005 - 12.2006
Geophysicist
KWS Infra
07.2004 - 07.2005
Geophysicist
GeoCom BV
06.2001 - 06.2004
Master of Science - Geophysics
Earth Sciences - Utrecht University
09.1995 - 03.2001
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